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Overview: Hepatitis A vaccine is used to prevent hepatitis A. It works by triggering the body’s immune response to make a type of protein (antibodies) against the hepatitis A virus. Common side effects include fever, headache, irritability, drowsiness, loss of appetite, and pain, redness, warmth, soreness, and tenderness near the injection site. Hepatitis A vaccine is injected into a muscle by a health care provider.

Uses

What is hepatitis A vaccine used for?

Hepatitis A vaccine is commonly used to prevent hepatitis A. Hepatitis A is a serious liver disease that is spread through close contact or through contaminated objects, foods, or drinks. Hepatitis A can cause tiredness, loss of appetite, stomach pain, nausea, and jaundice (your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish). Most people recover after a few weeks. In rare cases, hepatitis A can cause liver failure and death. This is more likely to occur in people older than 50 years and people with other liver diseases.

How does hepatitis A vaccine work (mechanism of action)?

Hepatitis A vaccine works by triggering the body’s immune response to make a type of protein (antibodies) against the hepatitis A virus. If you have antibodies against this virus, your body is better able to fight it, which may help prevent you from getting sick.

How should I store hepatitis A vaccine?

Hepatitis A vaccine is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of hepatitis A vaccine?

The most common side effects of hepatitis A vaccine are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the hepatitis A vaccine product received and the person’s age. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Pain, redness, warmth, soreness, and tenderness near the injection site
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Irritability
  • Drowsiness
  • Loss of appetite

There may be other side effects of hepatitis A vaccine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of hepatitis A vaccine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of hepatitis A vaccine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Hepatitis A vaccine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use hepatitis A vaccine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not receive hepatitis A vaccine.

  • Havrix
  • HepA
  • Hepatitis A virus vaccine, inactivated
  • Neomycin
  • Vaqta
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product received

Your health care provider can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific hepatitis A vaccine products they stock.

What should I know about hepatitis A vaccine before using it?

Hepatitis A vaccine is given on a specific schedule. Follow all vaccine recommendations given by your health care provider. 

This vaccine protects against hepatitis A but not other types of hepatitis. This vaccine can help prevent infection, but it is not 100% effective. If you have hepatitis A at the time of vaccination, the vaccine will not work.

The risk of dizziness or fainting, which may lead to a fall, is the highest within a few minutes after receiving hepatitis A vaccine. Your health care provider may want to watch you for this time to ensure your safety.

What should I tell my health care provider before using hepatitis A vaccine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if hepatitis A vaccine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Fever or recent illness
  • A weak immune system, get infections easily, or take medicines or treatments that suppress the immune system (such as radiation or chemotherapy)
  • Liver problems

Latex Allergy. Some hepatitis A vaccine products may contain natural rubber latex. Tell your health care provider if you are allergic to latex.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Hepatitis A vaccine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before receiving hepatitis A vaccine, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how hepatitis A vaccine could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if hepatitis A vaccine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should receive hepatitis A vaccine while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does hepatitis A vaccine interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between hepatitis A vaccine and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect hepatitis A vaccine.

Does hepatitis A vaccine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about all recent and upcoming vaccines, any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are taking any medicines or treatments that suppress the immune system, such as radiation, chemotherapy, or a corticosteroid, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with hepatitis A vaccine. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much hepatitis A vaccine?

If you or someone else has used too much hepatitis A vaccine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of hepatitis A vaccine?

If you miss an appointment for hepatitis A vaccine, call to make another appointment as soon as possible. It is important to follow the vaccine schedule recommended by your health care provider.